Local Attractions

Eating Out

In addition to the cafes and pub a short walk away from The Close, there are several dining pubs within a few miles, including The Ragged Cot, The Weighbridge Inn, The Crown at Frampton Mansell, to mention just a few.

Walking / Cycling

The surrounding area is excellent walking country, with Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, many public footpaths and country lanes giving lots of scope, regardless of whether your idea of a walk is a stroll to the nearest pub or a day's hiking up hill and down dale. Several long-distance footpaths are easily accessible, including the Cotswold Way, and also the Macmillan Way, Thames Path and the Wysis Way. There are also many local walks in and around Minchinhampton, including hilltop walks, walks through woodland, canal walks and many more. Woodchester Park (National Trust), Painswick's Rococo Gardens and Westonbirt Arboretum all offer the opportunity for shorter walks in glorious surroundings that can be planned as a whole day's entertainment. If you're planning a walking holiday in the Cotswolds, have a look at some of the suggested walks on our Walking Holidays page. Cyclists can enjoy exploring Sustrans route 45, which takes you through Minchinhampton (up the very steep Well Hill), and lots of circular routes taking in beautiful countryside along quiet roads and country lanes.

On a nice sunny day, when you wish you had access to your own bike, why not hire an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes, near Stroud. Bikes are hired by the day, starting with a training session, and Pedego offer several cycling routes. The electric boost is very welcome to help you cycle up hills (there are lots of hills in the area).

Shopping / Cultural Events

Nailsworth, Tetbury, Cirencester and Stroud are close by, each having their own unique characters and a wealth of independent shops (and cafes, for that much-needed cup of tea). Stroud's Farmers Market (every Saturday morning) is a particular highlight, and was awarded "Best Farmers Market in the UK" in 2013. Slightly further afield, Bath and Cheltenham offer a wide variety of shops and also many cultural events with the Cheltenham Festivals (music, jazz, science and literature) and Bath Festivals (literature and music) going from strength to strength, and Bath's Theatre Royal and Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre and Town Hall offering an eclectic mixture of entertainment throughout the year. If you just need a "John Lewis" and "Marks & Spencer" fix, then head for Cribbs Causeway, straight down the M5 to Junction 17, or for something that little bit different, why not try the Vintage Sports Car Club's annual event in August - the Prescott Hill Climb?

Equestrian / Horse Racing

Bath and Cheltenham race courses are within easy reach, each having an extensive programme of fixtures throughout the season. Gatcombe hosts a number of national and international equestrian events, and the Badminton Horse Trials are held every May. Cirencester Park and Beaufort Polo Clubs have many fixtures each year. There are also several riding stables within a couple of miles of The Close.

Golf

Golfers will find a number of golf clubs in the vicinity, with Minchinhampton Golf Club offering a choice of courses, and many other courses within a few miles including the Cotswold Edge, Painswick, Westonbirt and Stinchcombe Hill Golf Clubs.

Country Houses / Gardens

There are many interesting houses and gardens within a short car journey. The Cotswolds is famous for its Arts and Crafts movement, and the very fine Rodmarton Manor is an excellent example of an Arts and Crafts house and also has the original furniture which was designed for the house. Chavenage House is another characterful and historic house, which may seem familiar as it has been used as a location for various films and TV series (including Lark Rise to Candleford). National Trust properties nearby include the fabulous Dyrham Park, near Bath, and Newark Park, a charming house with lovely views over the surrounding countryside. Some gorgeous gardens in the area include Highgrove (pre-booking required), Abbey House Gardens (home of the "Naked Gardeners"), the Rococo Garden near Painswick, Hidcote (National Trust), and Kiftsgate (which is very close to Hidcote and absolutely fabulous in June when the roses are in bloom).

Out and About

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge is well worth a visit, with events and and continually changing sets of birds throughout the year. If you like wildlife but prefer a more indoor experience, Nature in Art (near Gloucester) is an art gallery and museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. The Cotswolds Water Park offers a wide range of activities from Birdwatching to Watersports, Angling to Aerial Adventure (if you have a head for heights). And finally, if you want to try something that little bit different, why not have a gliding lesson at the Cotswold Gliding Club or the Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club, both of which are only a short drive away.

The Close B&B, The Close, Well Hill, Minchinhampton, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 9JE

Tel: 01453 883338 Email:
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